P1racenews AI automatic summary:
IndyCar’s O’Ward to get Abu Dhabi F1 outings for McLaren
According to F1’s regulations, McLaren had to give a second rookie driver the opportunity to participate in an FP1 session this year. They had already fulfilled the first one with Oscar Piastri in Bahrain, but had planned to give the second slot to Alex Palou, who ultimately decided not to join McLaren in IndyCar. As a result, McLaren has chosen to run Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward in both the Abu Dhabi free practice and the post-race tire test. This will be O’Ward’s first appearance at an F1 weekend since his debut in last year’s Abu Dhabi event. McLaren believes O’Ward is now eligible for an F1 superlicence after finishing fourth in this year’s IndyCar championship, making him a potential reserve driver.
Source: motorsport
